Bird & Bird LLP
Client SatisfactionOperating at the forefront of the global IP markets, Bird & Bird LLP possesses well-earned gravitas through its wealth of experience coordinating international mandates, managing significant trade mark and copyright litigation alongside transactional work. Tom Snaith and Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard co-helm the team, with the latter demonstrating considerable prowess in the copyright sphere and is a pre-eminent presence within the media, entertainment, and digital sectors. Phil Sherrell led the team in the case of COPA v Wright regarding the ‘Battle of the Bitcoin’, while Ewan Grist led the team representing Lidl against Tesco. Other notable names include Peter Brownlow, who co-leads the firm’s International IP Group, and Toby Bond, an AI expert who continues to develop the firm’s technology capabilities. Louise Sargeant is a strong choice for large-scale project work. Nick Aries re-joined the group from the firm’s San Francisco office, while Christopher De Mauny departed to the San Francisco office. Seasoned practitioner Robert Williams retired in May 2024.
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Key clients
- Activate
- B&Q
- Chick-Fil-A
- Crypto Open Patent Alliance
- DeBeers
- Extreme-E
- Fiorucci
- Interflora
- International Olympic Committee
- Lidl
- Merck KGaA
- Monster
- PRET
- Sinocare
- Stability AI
Work highlights
- Acted for Lidl in the high-profile Lidl v Tesco Court of Appeal trade mark and copyright decision, which generated worldwide press coverage and achieved a successful result for the client.
- Acted for COPA in the ‘Battle of Bitcoin’ copyright case against Craig Wright, with a successful result.
- Defending Stability AI against Getty Images in a copyright, database rights, and trade mark claim filed in the UK courts by Getty Images.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tom Snaith, Rebecca O’Kelly-Gillard